Interview: Overlooked 2018 Texas All-District DE Daryl French is Ready for Another Big Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

This recruiting trail story is nothing new, especially in a state as big as Texas. No matter how diligent any college football staff may look to find next level talent, a player or two, if not a few hundred, will slip through the fingers of any given program. A few miles outside of Corpus Christi, in Sinton (TX), Class of 2018 defensive end/outside linebacker Daryl French has been doing just that so far, slipping through the fingers of college football staffs as a big overlooked prospect.

French is not a one year wonder that popped up displaying great athleticism and dominance on the field. He was a game changer for Sinton High School during his sophomore season compiling 56 tackles, six tackles for a loss, and a sack. The big change for French came in 2016 seemingly owning his side of the line while chasing down everything in sight for 74 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, six QB hurries, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries with one scoop and score.

The 6-2, 220 pound, defensive play-maker attacks the ball in a variety of ways from a straight speed rush to a bull rush truly overpowering the opposing left tackle. The motor never stops for French until the whistle blows. Watching French play, one quickly picks up on the notion that he is out there to assert his will crushing opposing ball carriers and linemen play after play – the chip on the shoulder is there. All of the big plays has helped the Pirates to a 12-1 record in 2015 and a 9-3 mark last season. The winning along with abilities shown earned French first team All-District, Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year for the District, and third team All-State Class 4A honors in 2016.

While local media and opposing high school coaches appreciate French’s style of play, college teams have been very slow finding him. Thus far, just SMU and Texas-San Antonio are aware of the under the radar Texas prospect.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with French covering his junior season, off-season workouts, and recruiting process.

Interview

Daryl, your role with the Pirates expanded in 2016 on offense as a receiver, how did you like getting a chance to pull in some passes and score some touchdowns?

“It was cool. Me being on the defensive side more and liking it there, I liked it. I liked being a two-way player, it made me feel good about myself. I let the first string guy take a break. It felt good to contribute in other ways.”

Will your role expand during your senior year on offense?

“At the rate I’m looking, I think it will. I think our coach will add me in at tight end rather than at the X on the outside, but I can plan the X if needed.”

Where all did you line up on the field last season on offense?

“We did not have a tight end set. I was more at the outside, we call it an X.”

How did the season go on defense for the team?

“Our defense was solid. We could have played better. We played about even with the year before.”

How did the season go for you?

“I was injury free the whole season. I felt good the whole year. I knew I had a lot on my shoulders and needed to set up and be a leader. I had a push to meet those expectations.”

How did your game improve?

“Coming into my junior year, my sophomore year I was not more of the bull rush type. I was not that big. I think I mainly improved setting up my pass rush and going back under making him (tackle) move his feet and then moving him physically. My sophomore year I was not moving guys with my strength. My inside releases got better too.”

What are the strengths of your game?

“One of the things I think I do well is pass rush. When I see that tackle step back, I feel like I can go past him. I can swim move or rip move to get past him.”

What are you working on this off-season?

“I’m working on more of me dropping back into coverage. If I play in college, I would probably play linebacker. This off-season I’m working on dropping back and working on an open stance to cover a guy coming out of the backfield.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this off-season?

“Yes I have. My bench press is 285, squat 420, and my clean is 275.”

Have you attended any exposure camps yet?

“No.”

Do you have any upcoming camps you might attend?

“Right now I’m looking at some camps but I’m not sure yet.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I have talked to UTSA (Texas-San Antonio). I went to their Junior Day. SMU is another school I am talking to. Those are the main two schools I talk to so far.”

Do you have any offers yet?

“I have a JUCO offer from Kilgore.”

How did the UTSA visit go?

“It was fun. The facilities were huge. I liked it. All the coaches were cool. I loved them. We went to their practice field, I loved it. I was talking to their coaches. Coach (Ricky) Brumfield (tight ends coach) is a pretty cool dude to be around. He will get you when he needs to be but also be cool with you and lift you up.”

Have you taken any other visits?

“I went to SMU last weekend. I went to their spring practice on Prospect Day.”

How did the visit to SMU go?

“It was fun. The facilities were great. The coaches were great. Coach (Chad) Morris (head coach) is great and uplifting guy. Coach (Buddy) Wyatt, he is their defensive line coach, is a real cool guy. Their facilities were awesome and they had a great field. The players were fun to be around. The players were fun to be around but got down to business when they were supposed to.”

Do you have any other upcoming visits planned?

“I was going to SMU tomorrow (Saturday) for their spring game but I have to take the ACT in the morning. Right now I am looking at my schedule. I hope to have more coming up soon.”

I see you play some basketball for Sinton. How did your season go?

“Basketball is not my favorite sport but it is fun to play. We had a pretty good season. Many doubted us about making the playoffs. Our last game of the season was a win or go home. We won and then beat them again and made it to the second round of the playoffs.”

Are you playing any other sports for Sinton?

“Track.”

Which events?

“I go back and forth. My sophomore year I was on all the relays. I’m on the spring relay this year and the mile relay. I have also ran the 100 meter dash.”

What is your best time in the 100?

“11.4.”

Nice. Last question. What are your goals for your senior season?

“I just want to help everyone around me. I want all of my teammates to do well. I want more sacks than last year. My sack goal is 13. On offense I want to help out. Scoring TDs is fun but I just want to help out and have fun. If my players are struggling I want to help them. My goal is to make them better and me better as well.”

Daryl, thanks for your time today and good luck on the ACT.

“Thank you.”

Click the link to see Daryl French’s Hudl highlight reel.

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Photo credit: Corpus Christi Caller-Times; No. 88 Daryl French breaks free on offense.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 88 Daryl French cuts off a QB for a team sack.

Photo credit: French family; Daryl French at UTSA (2017).